DSWD mobilizes aid for quake-hit Mindanao, says over 1.1 million food packs ready for deployment
At A Glance
- DSWD has activated its disaster response mechanisms and is preparing relief assets to support families that may be affected by the earthquake and possible tsunami impacts.
- About 1.1 million family food packs are prepositioned across Mindanao and are available for immediate augmentation to affected families and individuals.
A commercial establishment in General Santos City was damaged by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake on Monday, June 8. (PIA SarGen)
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday, June 8, ordered all DSWD field offices in Mindanao to immediately coordinate with local government units (LGUs) following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck offshore of Sarangani and triggered a tsunami warning in several coastal areas.
Gatchalian said DSWD has activated its disaster response mechanisms and is preparing relief assets to support families that may be affected by the earthquake and possible tsunami impacts.
He added that 1.1 million family food packs are prepositioned across Mindanao and are available for immediate augmentation to affected families and individuals.
Around 4.7 million more food packs are currently stockpiled nationwide.
“DSWD is more than ready to provide immediate response by supporting the needs of the affected families in the entire Mindanao. In fact, we have directed all Field Offices to coordinate closely with the LGUs and deploy social workers in designated evacuation centers to work with the local social workers,” Gatchalian said.
DSWD has also directed concerned field offices to prepare mobile command centers, mobile kitchens, and other emergency response equipment for possible deployment.
“We continue to monitor the situation to ensure that assistance is immediately delivered to affected communities,” Gatchalian said.
DOH raises alert status
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) has activated crisis protocols across all DOH hospitals and Centers for Health Development following the earthquake.
Health Undersecretary and spokesperson Albert Domingo said the immediate priority was ensuring the safety of health personnel before conducting rapid assessments of hospitals and health facilities, including those managed by local government units and private institutions.
Health Emergency Response Teams have been placed on alert and are being deployed based on ground needs and emerging medical situations.
DOH also placed all three World Health Organization-recognized Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams from Luzon and the Visayas on standby for possible deployment of field hospitals if necessary.
Domingo also noted that rapid assessments are ongoing to determine structural integrity and service capacity of health facilities, while coordination with LGUs continues to ensure medical needs are addressed alongside ongoing relief and evacuation efforts.